I want to buy 318i (1996 - 1997)

[khisham]

But what i don't agree with you, is that, i'm just making an assumption here based on what you said, that unless cars are serviced by Auto Bavaria, a potential buyer can expect problems.

btw, Correct me if i misinterpreted what you posted.

...yes that is correct 1+2=3, although wear & tear normally causes the problem, other issues such as poor workmanship, accidents & even irresponsible ownership are other tragedies that may befall our mechanised stallions...

...many car buyers, no matter the make of car, will refrain from visiting the authorised service centre once the warranty expires, naturally....

...the problem is exacerbated even further, when the car is in need of serious replenishment in the form of factory re-fittings, a process acquired from the countless worldwide racing competitons such as Formula 1, the 24 hour Le Mans & the Paris Dakkar endurance series...

...cars re-fitted properly with the correct part with the correct tools, will perform as expected, just as well, consistently...

...some call it reliability...

...this forum has been extremely beneficial to car enthusiasts, namely the BMW UDM fans to share their experiences as a responsible car owner & enthusiast...

...there are many delightful forums/threads here that explore opportunities to maintain cars at various service providers who offer a variety of goods & ofcourse services with regard to their cars' looks & performance...

...in Malaysia, there are great experiences & some not so great experiences but my experience has always been that where service is concerned, it's always best to allow the trained & authorised specialist to develop a relationship with the owner & the car so that the best intentions of this relationship are adhered to...

...I like the fact tha AB has a direct link to Germany & all that the BMW marque has to offer BMW car owners in Malaysia...

...the choice would ultimately remain in the hands of the car owner on how the car is to be treated...I enjoy the fact that when the 'green leds' go out, I visit AB, in Malaysia & that's usually a twice a year affair...why ?

...the service will involve adjusting or replacing whatever needs to be adjusted or replaced, which is proportionate to the wear & tear of the vehicle...& yes, wear & tear does occur & unlike humans when we get old, cars may be reborn by receiving a brand new spare part, factory fitted as brand new while maintaining the overall integrity & exceptional performance of the car...

...some of the staff/mechanics at AB have been there since the begining of my UDM experience...it's a committment that I do appreciate...

...but that's just me, 1+2=3, to share further an experience...not exactly a 'Pimp My Ride' experience but an UDM experience...

 

[meetoo]

But kisham, what if you find an outside mechanic who worked and trained in AB workshop? There are quite a few of them around, as well as ex-C&C, ex-Federal Auto, ex-Tan Chong, etc. They would be called BMW specialists, Merc speciallists and so on. They might really be more experienced than the young mechanics training in the official workshop. Is there anything wrong in going to them provided they use original parts and the workmanship cost is lower?

 

[khisham]

But kisham, what if you find an outside mechanic who worked and trained in AB workshop? There are quite a few of them around, as well as ex-C&C, ex-Federal Auto, ex-Tan Chong, etc. They would be called BMW specialists, Merc speciallists and so on. They might really be more experienced than the young mechanics training in the official workshop. Is there anything wrong in going to them provided they use original parts and the workmanship cost is lower?

...LOL !...nothing wrong at all, meetoo, nothing wrong at all...

...but should I fall terribly ill, I'd prefer to visit an established private hospital rather than a great looking private clinic where the staff wear nice bright coloured uniforms with a great smile or visit what may be even worse, a famous & revered shaman (bomoh) whose workplace is always filled with the same patients who seem to visit them so many times in just one month....

 

[1+2=3]

...LOL !...nothing wrong at all, meetoo, nothing wrong at all...

...but should I fall terribly ill, I'd prefer to visit an established private hospital rather than a great looking private clinic where the staff wear nice bright coloured uniforms with a great smile or visit what may be even worse, a famous & revered shaman (bomoh) whose workplace is always filled with the same patients who seem to visit them so many times in just one month....

I appreciate your explanation on AB, and yes, as the facts stand, you have just described any manufacturers official service centre. To me, the human element is the main criteria. Systems and procedures can only do so much, hence the occasional horror story that we still hear coming from AB serviced vehicles. No one is perfect, and likewise for the independents.

But the fact remains. there are still plenty of bmw's out there serviced by "shaman's" that are in tip-top condition, and running well for many many years, unlike the near doom & gloom picture that you are painting should someone choose to go down that route.

Btw, when a person chooses to go to an independent bmw specialist, it is not necesarilly to pimp one's ride

To finish off, I'm not arguing against going to AB, but just to state that there are "other" people out there who can also get the job done and not just AB.